Confederate States of America, War Department
| Richmond, March 25, 1863 |
| |
| Col. William M. Wadley |
| In charge of Railroad Transportation, Augusta, Ga. |
| |
| Sir, |
| The dilatory and irregular transportation on the
railroads is really a matter of suspense as well as serious anxiety
to me. It is essential that transportation of supplies, especially
of meat for the armies in Virginia, should be more rapid and
regular. I learn with astonishment from the Commissary-General that
though since the 1st of January he has been urging the
transportation of meat from his reserves at Atlanta to this city, he
has not yet received in all more than some 400,000 pounds. Surely
there must have been some gross inattention on the part of either
the railroads in giving preference to Government freight or on the
quartermasters in carrying the meat to the trains. Will you at once
institute inquiries and correct the delays on this route? Some
general plan, however, it seems to me, is necessary to counteract
the increasing delays and irregularities, and I would suggest that
you arrange with the roads on all the leading lines schedules of
continuous freight trains to run with like regularity and connection
as the passenger trains. I had supposed this course had long been
pursued, as it seems to me manifestly required to give full
efficiency to the railroad facilities as well as to their own
interest, but learn that, owing to the jealousies and conveniences
of special roads, it has never been practiced. The least calculation
will show that if the railroads will in good faith give preference
to Government freight and will steadily and continually run their
freight trains by through schedule more than all the supplies needed
for the Government can be transported on the leading lines. Harmony,
co-operation, and reasonable energy on their part only are required,
and I trust you will at once lend all your energy and address to the
accomplishment of a good understanding and the running of through
lines on schedules to be arranged by yourself. It would be difficult
for the roads to agree on such schedules, but they might, I think,
be shown the necessity of the matter to the Government as well as
their own interest as to come into schedules arranged by you. Do
give your earnest attention to this or some other effective mode of
enforcing transportation at once. |
| Very truly, yours, |
| James A. Seddon |
| Secretary of War |
|